news-record.com

GREENSBORO — Places of worship across the city will hand out ribbons the next few days as a show of support for diversity and opposition to a planned meeting Saturday of a neo-Nazi group.

The decision to display the ribbons rather than engage in a more direct protest came after a meeting earlier this week of civic and religious leaders.

“When you stand and protest something as silly as the Nazis, you just give them energy,” said the Rev. Mark Sills , executive director of FaithAction International House , which assists immigrants in the area.

Instead, the idea is to promote a positive message by distributing the ribbons and encouraging area clergy to speak on themes of inclusiveness during services.

“We are a city of diversity and we celebrate that diversity,” Sills said. “We are a place that welcomes all kinds of people from around the world.”

Houses of worship planning to hand out ribbons include Beth David Synagogue, Hinshaw United Methodist Church, and Temple Emanuel . Residents also are encouraged to make their own.

While details remain somewhat vague, the National Socialist Movement is planning to hold a regional conference Saturday at an undisclosed location in Greensboro.

While some advise restraint in dealing with the event, others plan a more direct response.

Neo-Nazi opponents issued a call to action last week asking people “from all over the East Coast to join us in confronting them.”

An “anti-racist solidarity rally” is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday at McGee and South Elm streets downtown.

Police say they are making preparations, although they haven’t discussed details of their plans.

The possibility of a clash between neo-Nazis and foes has echoes of the infamous 1979 shootings that took place in Greensboro, when five people died during a “Death to the Klan” march at a public housing complex.

Contact Jason Hardin at 373-7021 or jason.hardin@news-record.com